Project news

Action Plan for conservation and protection of great bittern

Action Plan for conservation and protection of great bittern Botaurus stellaris habitat in the Pape Lake at Nature Park Pape has been created (in Latvian).

Pape weather station has been set up

A weather station has been set up on Lake Pape. Now it is possible to follow the data online! Obtained data, including the water quality measurements, can be used for research.

A new webpage has been developed

Nature Park Pape has a new webpage in which the information about the park, species, as well as tourist attraction points can be found. A special section is provided for the COASTLAKE project and the Eurasian bittern.

A new webpage has been developed

Nature Park Pape has a new webpage in which the information about the park, species, as well as tourist attraction points can be found. A special section is provided for the COASTLAKE project and the Eurasian bittern.

Biotope restoration works has been started on Lake Pape

Projects’ COASTLAKE presentation was held on December 22nd, during which stakeholders were introduced to the values of Lake Pape as well as planned biotope management activities (2015-2017).

Nature Park Pape mobile app is available!

All the attraction points of the park as well as the information about the Eurasian bittern is summarized in one application. The application shows your current location and the distance to the next object. It is available for both iOS and Android users.

The pathway of Lake Pape has been restored

During the project, the tourist' favourite pathway has been restored by making new informative stands that are also telling about the Eurasian bittern, one of the most special bird species of Lake Pape.

The pathway of Lake Pape has been restored

During the project, the tourist' favourite pathway has been restored by making new informative stands that are also telling about the Eurasian bittern, one of the most special bird species of Lake Pape.

Project tasks:

To improve the conservation status of Bittern and improve ecosystem functions in two most important coastal lakes for the species – Lake Engure Natura 2000 site and Lake Pape Natura 2000 site.

To reduce the impact of direct and indirect threats on Bittern population by securing sustainable lake habitat management including improvements to existing and restoring of currently degraded breeding and feeding sites for Bittern.

To monitor and evaluate the effects of the proposed lake habitat restoration measures on the species during the project and to feed this information into future site management plans and species management recommendations (guidelines).

To establish the demonstration area for species conservation in Lake Engure in order to eliminate gaps in knowledge about the habitat requirements for Bittern among the nature conservationists. To provide the information about the species requirements, to generate the widely applicable and regionally tested habitat restoration methods and thus set the scene for further Bittern conservation actions in Latvia and Boreal region.

To enhance the public understanding of the ecological, economic and social values of the coastal wetlands via explaining the ecosystem functions and services concept and raise support for the conservation of wetland dependent species such as Bittern. To support the integration of nature conservation concerns into the business sector.

Project activities:

Fragmentation of massive reed stands and restoration of mosaic landscape in the lake’s overgrown parts.

Monitoring the number of birds, quality of water and the bittern’s food basis. Analysing the spatial structure of the habitats and studying the lake’s vegetation.

Organizing educational excursions, a mobile photography exhibition and screenings of a documentary about the bittern.

Performing studies on the use of the lake’s biomass: analysis of the experience and economical aspects.